Chicago

The Elmwood Park beef stand many Chicagoans call the best Italian beef anywhere. No-frills, usually a line, and famous lemon ice for after.

Calls itself the Home of the Jibarito: the North Center spot tied to the sandwich's invention. Also makes a sweet-plantain version, the jibarita.

The Bridgeport-area home of the breaded steak: a huge fried cutlet in red gravy on Turano French bread, in regular or king size. Open late.

Chicago's oldest jeweler (since 1837) in a 20,000 sq ft two-level flagship with an attached two-level Rolex boutique and its own entrance. Official retailer, Certified Pre-Owned and Rolex service centre.

Northwest-suburban family jeweler known for one of the biggest pre-owned luxury watch departments in Illinois. Buys, sells and trades high-end watches, including Rolex.

Family-owned Official Rolex Retailer on the Gold Coast, selling new and Rolex Certified Pre-Owned Submariners, with an on-site Rolex-plaque service workshop.

Dedicated Rolex boutique on the Magnificent Mile in the Warwick Allerton building, carrying the full new Rolex lineup including the Submariner.

The original Little Italy stand of the family that claims to have invented the Italian beef. Order it dipped, with hot giardiniera.

West Town deli and market from the family behind Nduja Artisans, stacking inventive, heavily-built Italian sandwiches.

The Berwyn-born family chain behind one of the area's most popular beefs: very thin, pepper-flecked slices that hold up even fully dipped. Open until midnight Thursday to Saturday.

Family-run stand near O'Hare, open since 1991, with well-seasoned beef, a flavorful jus and its own house giardiniera. A big local following.

Oak Park hot dog and beef stand running since 1980, right across from the Turano bakery that supplies the rolls under its thin-sliced beef.